Granny's Lye Soap Craftsmen

Darla Kelly, Craftsman

At any 1880s homestead, lye soap was primarily used to clean. Whether it was people, clothes or anything else that needed a good wash, lye soap was the tool of the time period.

Darla Kelly says making lye soap is her "fingerprint in history." When she stirs up the huge kettle of soap, she is doing something her grandmother and great-grandmother did, and many guests describe their memories of making lye soap on the farm as they watch her. The creamy bars, with scents such as lavender, tea tree oil and eucalyptus, are her favorites.